The Arden Theatre Company's Children's Theatre
Ask any first-grader: The show that really took the local theater scene by storm this year was the Arden's production of Beauty and the Beast. The year before that, it was Sideways Stories from Wayside School; before that, it was Cinderella. The truth is, the Arden always nails it, telling wonderful stories in creative ways, speaking directly to pint-size audience members without dumbing anything down, and stacking the stage with real talent that takes its viewing public seriously. 40 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, ardentheatre.org.
John Goldthorp
Goldthorp's back-to-the-basics approach shows you don't have to lace up your sneakers to improve your stride. Focusing on strengthening your weak spots—do you have rock-hard calves and a less-than-firm core?—he'll up your running game. And at the end of your next big race, you'll have the PR to prove it. fixyourrun.com.
The Painted Mug
Most people like to throw a few back before getting behind the microphone and belting out “Don’t Stop Believing” or “Sweet Caroline,” but it’s quite the opposite at this new queer-owned community performance space, which hosts a monthly sober karaoke night at which mocktails are on the menu and the show is still tons of fun. 1527 Jackson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, thepaintedmugcafe.com.
Next In Line Comedy
If you want to see the best up-and-coming local comedians paired with out-of-town jokesters who’ve appeared on Comedy Central, Netflix and HBO, look no further than this collective, which stages its shows at chill venues like Franky Bradley’s and Tattooed Mom each month — all for $20, with no drink minimum. A nice change of pace from places like Helium. instagram.com/nextinlinecomedy.
Jeremy Farson
Twenty-year roofing veteran Farson is quick to respond, shows up when he says he will — and oh yeah, he has a YouTube channel. Farson tours roofs, shining a spotlight on every major and minor problem — some from wear and tear and others that were clearly the mistake of the last dude who did the job. youtube.com/channel/UCCR2iOOP0tUh3jamkjyFzQA.
SPF Tanning
Moira Rubino understands that sometimes your schedule has you at its mercy. So she shows up at your door with her handy pop-up tent and organic golden-glow formula whenever you have a minute to get hosed down. Bring your friends: There are discounted group rates when she sprays a bunch of you at once. Service areas include the Main Line and select South Jersey towns; tan@spftanning.com 303 East Church Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406, moiraanne.com/services.html.
Mary Tuomanen
With an impressive onstage range and a brain built for crafting memorable scripts, Tuomanen, a 34-year-old Center City dweller, is one of the best -- and busiest -- on the local scene. This past year she co-founded a playwriting collective and debuted a one-woman show; soon she'll star in Local Girls at Azuka Theatre, participate in a UArts incubator, and -- something that's really not to be missed -- play Andy Warhol in the Bearded Ladies Cabaret-Opera Philadelphia collaboration Andy: A Popera at FringeArts.
Diggerland
Some advice: Don't tell your kids that this year-old theme park is for children, or you'll have to fight them for the wheels of the real backhoes, dump trucks and excavators that can be driven and operated in a giant dirt pit. Instead, send them off to the rides, through the ropes course or to the stunt show, and catch up with them later. 100 Pinedge Court, West Berlin, NJ 08091, diggerlandusa.com.
Blue Bell Inn
Since this storied restaurant reopened in April after more than a year of extensive renovations, its bar and patio have been packed with well-heeled gents and well-coiffed ladies of a certain age looking for love or at least a middle-aged hookup. The upshot? Enough wine-fueled love connections to spawn a reality show. Are you listening, Bravo? 601 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, bluebellinn.com.
The Library Bar
Unlike most hotel bars with their wide-open see-and-be-seen setups and weary-traveler clientele this newish 20-seater inside the Rittenhouse Hotel is as intimate as it is sophisticated. (And it has a beautiful outdoor courtyard.) Look for carefully crafted grown-up cocktails and a superlative wine selection from sommelier Justin Timsit. And a word to the wise: If you show up in old jeans and a T-shirt, you're underdressed. 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, rittenhousehotel.com/dining/librarybar.
Urban Jungle
Although there are enough plants in this massive garage-like store to landscape a suburban McMansion, owner Curtis Alexander excels at squeezing greenery into the tightest of city spaces. (Vertical wall planters teeming with flowers and ferns are a specialty.) There are also Service and Help galore, like workshops on planting show-stopping terrariums and envy-inducing window boxes and, for the less DIY-inclined, a full menu of landscaping options. 1526 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147, urbanjunglephila.com.
Blink
The selection: unlike anything we've seen here in Philly (Persol! Balenciaga!). The deals: Whoa. Buy during a brand's trunk show-Gucci, let's say-and you not only get 20 percent off; you're entered into a raffle to win a pair or two of free specs from said brand. Kinda makes your habit of constantly losing your glasses seem very sly. 1824 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, shopblink.com.
Philly Girls Who Walk
When Fairmount resident Bianca Solari founded Philly Girls Who Walk last May, she was looking for a way to get outside and socialize without alcohol. (She wasn’t alone — more than 100 women showed up for the first outing.) The low-key weekly walks, which cover about three miles near locations like the Art Museum, the Ben Franklin Bridge and Schuylkill River Park, are perfect for making new friends and exploring the city, one step at a time. instagram.com/phillygirlswhowalk.
Heiler Painting
So you think you can paint a wall, and suddenly you’re six hours in and you’ve barely taped off the light switches. Heiler Painting isn’t just better at painting than you; they’re honest with their pricing and — just as importantly — their timing. (No waiting around hoping the painter will show up that day.) Beyond interior and exterior painting, the company also provides stucco repair (to keep out that pesky moisture) and cabinet refinishing. And for those looking to weatherize their homes, window glazing is available. 650 Painter Street, suite 1, Media, PA 19063, heilerpainting.com.
The Chicken Biscuit at Percy Street
Loosed from Percy Street's Texas-style barbecue roots, Erin O'Shea is showing her talents across the menu. But there's no better bite right now than her fried chicken biscuit, made with crispy fried chicken thighs, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, pickled jalape�os and house-made buttermilk ranch. It's only available during happy hour -- but if you order a trio of 'em, they make a damn fine meal. 900 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, percystreet.com.